SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

Spiritual abuse around money almost made us stop giving altogether. We've seen manipulation from the pulpit. We've witnessed leaders mishandle funds. We've felt the tension between honoring God and distrusting institutions. And yet… we still tithe. In this episode, Bob and Linda have an honest, nuanced conversation about why they chose not to let other people's failures steal something God wanted to use for their freedom. This is not a legalistic defense of tithing. It's a heart-level conversation about obedience, trust, healing, and separating God's command from human hypocrisy. If you've ever thought: "I don't trust where the money goes" "I've seen too much abuse" "Is tithing even for today?" "I want to honor God, but I'm conflicted" This episode is for you. Key Scriptures (NLT) Proverbs 3:9–10 — Honor the Lord with your wealth Deuteronomy 8:18 — God gives the power to create wealth Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom Luke 6:38 — Give, and it will be given to you 2 Corinthians 9 — Sowing and reaping with the right heart Matthew 23:23 — Jesus affirms tithing without legalism Action Item for This Week Take 10 quiet minutes and pray this simple prayer: "God, what does generosity look like for me right now?" Write down what comes to mind. Don't rush it. Don't rationalize it. Just ask… and listen. Don't let someone else's disobedience steal your opportunity to trust God. 👉If this episode helped you, share it with someone who's wrestling with giving—or spiritual hurt around money. Gentle Disclaimer This episode is for biblical and educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice. Pray, seek wise counsel, and follow the Holy Spirit's leading in your own giving decisions. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/0ECDgwsssrs)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if the clearest wisdom for living well only shows up at the end of life? After spending 15 years in hospice care, one nurse noticed a haunting pattern: when people are dying, the masks come off—and they all say remarkably similar things. Regrets. Realizations. Truths they wish they'd acted on sooner. In this episode, Bob & Linda unpack the 7 life lessons repeated again and again by people on their deathbeds—and how we can live differently now, without waiting for "someday." This isn't about morbid curiosity. It's about clarity. "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." — Psalm 90:12 (NLT) What You'll Learn 1. "I should have loved more—and differently" Why winning arguments often costs us relationships—and how to choose kindness before it's too late. 2. Forgiveness brings freedom (even physical peace) Stories of people who couldn't let go… until their final moments—and why forgiveness may be more urgent than we think. 📖 Matthew 6:14–15 (NLT) 3. Presence is the greatest gift you can give Why distraction is the modern disease—and how being fully present matters more than anything you can buy. 4. "I saved my joy for later… and later never came" The trap of someday living, money, and the tension between saving wisely and actually enjoying life. 5. The best things in life were free Dying people didn't miss achievements or possessions—they missed ordinary moments they were too busy to notice. 6. Regret comes from what you never tried Why people don't regret failure—they regret playing it safe and never starting the thing. 7. Peace comes when you stop pretending What happens when image management finally falls away—and how to live with that freedom now. "Don't wait until your last breath to live free—start today." 👉 If this episode helped you, share it with someone you love and leave a review—it helps more people find the show. Educational Disclaimer This episode is for biblical encouragement and general financial education—not personalized financial advice. Always seek wise counsel for your specific situation. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/J43rtDyLzEs)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

In today's episode, Bob & Linda explore one of the most overlooked spiritual tests in the Christian life: how to stay dependent on God in the midst of blessings. Drawing from Joshua 11, they unpack the strange moment where God tells Israel to hamstring the horses and burn the enemy's chariots—the ancient equivalent of destroying tanks after a battle. Why would God command that? Because victories can be just as spiritually dangerous as trials. Through personal stories—from unexpected financial provision, to early blogging years, to painful seasons of health challenges—Bob & Linda reflect on how easy it is to place trust in the "chariots" of modern life: savings accounts, credit cards, systems, friendships, therapy, comfort, or even spiritual routines. This episode is an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit: "What chariot in my life have I started to rely on more than God?" It's a vulnerable, practical conversation about dependence, provision, and the subtle ways our security can shift from the Lord to the blessings He provides. (Scripture from NLT.) Big Takeaways God sometimes blesses us with success—but the real test comes after the victory. "Chariots" today can be anything we lean on before we lean on God—money, strategies, credit cards, relationships, even good systems. Joshua's obedience protected Israel's dependence; Solomon's disobedience eroded his. Trusting God doesn't mean rejecting tools—it means refusing to let tools replace Him. Obedience may feel costly, but it leaves room for God's provision to be unmistakable. Key Scriptures (NLT) Joshua 11 — God commands Israel to cripple the horses and burn the chariots. Psalm 20:7 — "Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God." Deuteronomy 17:16 — Instruction to future kings not to store up horses. Matthew 14 (referenced) — Jesus' exhausting day of grief, ministry, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and praying through the night. Highlighted Quotes from the Episode "Getting the blessing is one thing—keeping God at the center is another." "Some victories make you feel strong. God wants you to stay dependent." "You can have a blessed life and still miss what God is trying to form in you." "You're not called to trust the tool—only the One who provides it." "Ask the Holy Spirit: What chariot am I still holding onto?" Timestamps 00:00 — The surprising test after a breakthrough 02:00 — Why did God tell Joshua to burn chariots? 04:15 — Dependence vs. self-reliance when life is going well 06:30 — Modern "chariots": money, comfort, systems, relationships 10:00 — A real inheritance story: when provision can become a trap 11:00 — Bob's personal story: the blog, losing his job, and losing their "income lifeline" 13:30 — How challenges can strengthen faith more than comfort 15:00 — Jesus' exhausting day: grief, ministry, storm 17:00 — Joshua vs. Solomon: a tale of two responses 20:00 — Is God asking you to lay something down? 25:00 — Guided prayer: "Lord, show me my chariots" 26:30 — Final verse + encouragement Weekly Action Item Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ONE "chariot" in your life—a place where you've subtly shifted trust from God to a tool, resource, or comfort. Write it down and pray: "Lord, show me how to surrender this and depend on You again." CTA If you want help building money systems that support your trust in God rather than replace it, visit our SeedTime Money Resources Page for our latest guides and tools. BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/4bPH1z_soAs! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

Jesus said, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." But does that really mean Christians should never talk about giving? In this episode, Bob and Linda tackle one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible—and why misreading it has quietly hurt generosity, discipleship, and spiritual growth in the church. Sparked by a viral clip referencing Matthew 6, they walk through what Jesus was actually addressing (motive, not visibility), why public generosity shows up all over Scripture, and how sharing testimonies—when done with the right heart—can inspire radical obedience in others. This isn't about bragging. It's about obedience, clarity, and letting God get the glory. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Matthew 6 is about motive, not secrecy How applying "give in secret" consistently would silence prayer and testimony too The difference between generosity that inspires vs generosity that performs Why public generosity is everywhere in Scripture (Barnabas, the Macedonian church, Zacchaeus, the widow's mite, Mary anointing Jesus) How generosity becomes contagious when stories are shared Practical ways to check your heart before sharing a testimony When God says "share it" — and when He says "keep it quiet" Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT) Matthew 6:1–4 — Giving with the right motive Acts 4–5 — Barnabas vs. Ananias & Sapphira Luke 19:8–9 — Zacchaeus' public repentance and generosity 2 Corinthians 8–9 — The Macedonian church & contagious generosity A Key Takeaway God isn't after secrecy for secrecy's sake. He's after hearts that give for His glory, not human applause. Some generosity should be quiet. Some testimonies are meant to be shared. The wisdom is knowing the difference—and having the courage to obey either way. Action Item for This Week Ask God one simple question in prayer: "Is there a generosity story You want me to share—or one You want me to keep private?" Then obey, even if it feels uncomfortable. Generosity isn't about being seen—it's about letting God be seen. 👉 If this episode helped clarify something you've wrestled with, share it with a friend who needs this conversation. Disclaimer: This content is for educational and spiritual encouragement only and is not individualized financial advice. Always pray and seek wise counsel as you apply biblical principles to your own life. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/en12Gf9uDCU)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

Rethink faith as something received from God rather than mustered by willpower. Explore how Hebrews 11 defines faith as evidence and assurance. Discover the importance of abiding in Jesus for spiritual growth. Learn how to actively apply faith to finances through budgeting and practical steps. Bob and Linda highlight teaching Scripture, community, and the transformative power of hearing God's word. Plus, they share real-life examples from the Bible that illustrate obedience by faith.

Bob and Linda share their journey through a difficult season where differing views on giving threatened their marriage. They discuss the importance of unity and nurturing grace in financial decisions. Listeners learn about a budgeting tool allowing for personal spending while maintaining joint accounts. The couple emphasizes the need for prayerful discernment and waiting for God's timing, encouraging couples to seek a third option rather than a simple divide. Their heartfelt insights offer hope to those navigating similar challenges.

Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as the ultimate freedom, but reality tells a different story. Bob and Linda reveal the hidden struggles, including the high mental health challenges faced by founders and the glamorization of business on social media. They emphasize that success often comes from repeated failures and the importance of prayer and purpose over profit. Listeners are encouraged to discern their true calling, whether it's a business venture or faithful service in a more traditional role. It's a refreshing take on what it really means to be an entrepreneur.

Mark Batterson, a bestselling author and pastor, shares insights on long-term growth and the power of gradual breakthroughs. He emphasizes that most "overnight successes" take decades and reveals what 95-year-olds regret most. Mark discusses a 25-year mindset for parenting, the importance of long-range thinking, and staying committed despite slow progress. He highlights how his debt-free church grew through small steps and community engagement, illustrating that faith and persistence lead to unexpected miracles.

A poignant reflection on parenting emerges as Bob and Linda discuss the transformative idea of the '$50,000 Moment.' They explore how a simple bedtime can hold immense value, prompting parents to cherish fleeting details they often overlook. The discussion intertwines biblical wisdom with real-world applications, emphasizing the importance of presence over distraction. By sharing personal stories and practical prompts, they inspire listeners to engage fully with their loved ones, creating lasting memories that truly matter.

Just a 4-minute little reminder today! What if one short, 29-word sentence from the Bible could shift the atmosphere in your home, change how you see your finances, and remind you that God Himself has placed His name on you? In this episode, Bob & Linda dive into the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 — a prayer that God commanded to be spoken over His people. You've probably heard it before, maybe even sung it in church, but chances are you've never fully realized its power in your daily life 📖 Scripture highlight: "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace." (Numbers 6:24–26, NLT) 💡 This week's action step: Speak the Aaronic blessing out loud once a day—over yourself, your family, or your finances. Notice how it shifts your mindset and brings peace. BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books."